IND-W vs SA-W: 2nd ODI – Talking Points from India’s crushing victory

India Women have levelled the series with a stunning performance in the second ODI of the five-match series against South Africa Women. After opting to bowl first, Jhulan Goswami led the way for the hosts as they managed to skittle the opposition for just 157 runs in 41 overs. In response, India rode on a brilliant knock from Smriti Mandhana who scored an unbeaten 80 while Punam Raut smashed 62* as they won the game by nine wickets.

Here are the talking points of the day:

1. Jhulan Goswami picking four wickets

Jhulan Goswami never gets old, still taking wickets for India – at the age of 38, she is running through South Africa – 4 for 42 from 10 overs – 6 wickets in the series – one of the greats of Womens cricket. pic.twitter.com/mwWJG80C2A

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 9, 2021

After a poor show in the opening game, India needed their experienced players to step up and the veteran Jhulan Goswami did exactly the same. She sent back the in-form Lizelle Lee in the first over itself and came at the back end of the innings to make sure South Africa didn’t recover from the regular blows. Goswami picked crucial wickets of Marizanne Kapp, Nadine de Klerk and Shabnim Ismail to end with figures of 4/42 in her 10 overs.

2. Mansi and Gayakwad supporting Jhulan well

Mansi Joshi was included in the line-up in place of Monica Patel for this game and she proved her mettle right away. Opening the bowling with Jhulan, Mansi bluffed Laura Wolvaardt and Sune Luus with her swing. South Africa could never recover from early blows as she ended with figures of 2/23 in 7 overs. Spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad also did her bit, sending back the likes of Trisha Chetty and Mignon du Preez. She fittingly ended the innings dismissing Mlaba and returning with the figures of 3/37.

3. Smriti and Punam partnership

A quickfire 5⃣0⃣ for @mandhana_smriti
A vital partnership between @raut_punam and Smriti#TeamIndia in a solid position in the chase in the 2nd @Paytm #INDWvSAW ODI in Lucknow.

Follow the match ? https://t.co/cJaryEyTw5 pic.twitter.com/Jg39XcBqdM

— BCCI Women (@BCCIWomen) March 9, 2021

After a failure from the batting unit in the series opener, India needed a good start. Unfortunately, they lost Jemimah Rodrigues early. However, Smriti Mandhana was determined to do well on the day and she took the attack to the opposition perfectly. The southpaw in full flow was a delight to watch while Punam Raut supported her extremely well. The duo added an unbeaten 138 for the second wicket to take the team over the line. Smriti scored 80* with 10 fours and three sixes while Raut remained unbeaten on 62.